October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual international campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. This month is devoted to breast cancer education and fundraising to support medical advancements and treatments. Inside this issue, we are highlighting an inspirational patient story, research on breast cancer patient outcomes and several upcoming events.

Mark your calendars! The UF Health Breast Center – Jacksonville is hosting educational events and an annual mammogram day. I also encourage you to sign up for the American Cancer Society’s annual walk, Making Strides of the First Coast. Get ready to lace up your sneakers to support the fight against breast cancer. You can learn more details about these events on the Bridge. I hope you’ll find time to participate.

I also want to remind you to get your flu vaccine by Oct. 31. The flu vaccine is mandatory for all UF Health Jacksonville, University of Florida Jacksonville Physicians Inc., University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville and UF Health Proton Therapy Institute employees. You can find more details about this requirement on the Bridge. If you’re a GatorCare member, the flu vaccine counts as 100 points toward your annual wellness credit.

As always, it is an honor and privilege to be your CEO. It’s the exceptional care you provide that makes an impact in our patients’ lives. Thank you for all of your efforts and the work you do every day, it truly makes a difference.

Sincerely,

Russell E. Armistead, MBA

CEO, UF Health Jacksonville